Toll rates at Paliyekkara increased; revised rates to be charged once closed toll plaza reopens

Kochi: The contract company has increased the toll rates at Paliyekkara. The National Highways Authority has given permission to the company, GIPL, to levy higher rates. However, as per the High Court order, toll collection at Paliyekkara has been suspended until September 9. Once toll collection resumes, the revised rates will be charged.

The High Court had stayed toll collection considering the poor condition of the roads and the heavy traffic congestion.

At Paliyekkara, the toll rates are revised every year on September 1. According to this year’s revised rates, the toll for a single trip has gone up by ₹5 to ₹15. For cars, a one-way trip will now cost ₹95, up from the previous ₹90. The daily multiple-trip charge remains unchanged at ₹140.

• Light commercial vehicles: ₹165 (₹245 for multiple trips).

• Buses and trucks: ₹330 (₹495 for multiple trips).

• Multi-axle vehicles: ₹530 (₹795 for multiple trips).

The hike in toll rates has come even as a case is pending in the High Court citing traffic issues and contract violations on the National Highway. When the construction of new underpasses began, no alternate arrangements were made, which led to severe congestion on the service roads.

It was in this context that toll collection was halted. Meanwhile, GIPL has argued that the underpass construction was carried out by another company, and therefore, the current problems are not its responsibility.